Students at the College of Southern Nevada benefit from some of the lowest college costs in the nation, with net prices that make higher education accessible even for families with very limited resources.
The college's exceptional affordability allows students to pursue education and workforce training without the debt burden that often accompanies higher education.
The College of Southern Nevada serves as an accessible gateway to higher education in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, with particularly strong affordability that places it among the most cost-effective options nationwide. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants and over half are first-generation college students, reflecting the institution's role as a community anchor for working families and non-traditional learners seeking educational opportunities.
As a large public community college, CSN offers the flexibility and affordability that many students need to balance education with work and family responsibilities. Net prices remain exceptionally low across all income levels, with low-income students paying just $5,180 annually and middle-income families facing costs around $8,451 per year. This pricing structure makes higher education accessible to students who might otherwise be priced out of the market.
While long-term earnings outcomes are more modest compared to four-year institutions, CSN fulfills an important mission in providing educational access and workforce preparation in Nevada. The college serves students who need affordable, flexible pathways into higher education, whether they plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree or enter the workforce directly with career-focused credentials.
The College of Southern Nevada offers a range of programs designed to meet the workforce needs of the Las Vegas metropolitan area and provide affordable pathways into higher education. As a comprehensive community college, CSN focuses on career and technical education, transfer preparation, and workforce development rather than specialized high-earning professional programs.
The college's program portfolio emphasizes practical, job-ready skills in fields like healthcare support, business services, hospitality, and technical trades that align with Las Vegas's diverse economy. Many programs are designed to prepare students for immediate employment after completion, while others provide the foundational coursework needed for transfer to four-year institutions.
CSN's value lies not in producing the highest-earning graduates, but in providing accessible, affordable education that opens doors for students who might not otherwise have college opportunities. The programs serve students seeking career changes, skill upgrades, or educational foundations, making the college an important resource for workforce development and economic mobility in southern Nevada.
Graduates of the College of Southern Nevada typically see modest but meaningful earnings growth over time. Ten years after enrollment, median earnings reach $38,087, reflecting the institution's focus on workforce preparation and career-ready programs rather than high-earning professional fields. Six years out, graduates earn a median of $31,822, showing steady progression as they establish themselves in the Las Vegas job market.
The earnings profile reflects CSN's mission as a community college serving diverse student needs. Many graduates enter fields like healthcare support, business services, and technical trades that provide stable employment in the local economy. While absolute earnings levels are lower than those seen at four-year institutions, the financial outcomes must be viewed in context of the minimal debt burden most students carry and the shorter time to degree completion that community colleges typically offer.
For students who use CSN as a stepping stone to transfer to four-year institutions, the value proposition centers on cost savings during the first two years of college rather than direct earnings from CSN credentials alone. The college's affordable structure allows students to complete general education requirements and explore academic interests without accumulating significant debt, preserving financial flexibility for future educational investments.
The College of Southern Nevada stands out nationally for exceptional affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $5,180 per year after aid, while middle-income families face annual costs of $8,451, and even higher-income students pay only $12,804 annually. These net prices place CSN among the most affordable higher education options in the country, making college accessible to families who might struggle with the costs at four-year institutions.
Debt levels remain remarkably manageable for most students. Typical graduates who borrow carry just $8,000 in federal student loan debt, a fraction of what students accumulate at four-year colleges and universities. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $11,000, also well below national norms. The combination of low sticker prices, substantial financial aid, and shorter degree programs means most students can complete their education with minimal financial burden.
The affordability advantage extends beyond just low prices to include practical benefits like reduced opportunity costs. Students can often work while attending classes, maintain family responsibilities, and avoid the housing and living expenses associated with residential college experiences. This financial accessibility makes CSN particularly valuable for working adults, parents returning to school, and students who need to maintain income while pursuing their education.
College Of Southern Nevada Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
